Air brake



Jan. 14, 1936. c. A. CAMPBELL 2,027,468

AIR BRAKE Filed June 9, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet l JEEVICE.

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i6 EMEEGENCY 6 66 J /5 55 1,5 68 6% 6S H U 69 l'mnentor 58 57 M (BO/"11M 6 5 EMEKQEN CY attormgs Jan. 14, 1936- c. A. CAMPBELL AIR BRAKE Filed June 9, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ill/I R5 & 4 162 1 m 9 .D S X 6 6 m 1 m u w E w 4 K54 EMEKGEN CY cam/Law 6118mm JEKVIQE B EMERGENCY g M attorneys gas w w WA Patented Jan. 14, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Charles A. Campbell, Watertown, N; Y., assignor to The New York Air Brake Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application June 9, 1932, serial No. 616,325 31 Claims. (01.303-35) This invention relates to air brakes, and parcylinder pressures in service must decrease proticularly to the mode of partially or completely gressively from the front toward the rear end counteracting the effects of the pressure gra of the train. It is inevitable that the front dient existing in along and leaky brake pipe unbrakes apply first, and if they also apply immelder running conditions. I diately with greater intensity, harsh slack ac- 5 The invention accomplishes the desired re-' tion results. suit by apparatus associated with each triple The present invention, in its simplest embodivalve, and involves, in its preferred mechanical ment, provides a secondary mechanism, called embodiment, the combination of a gradient neu-' the gradient neutralizing valve for lack of a m tralizing valve with'a triple valve. The action better name, which is conditioned as a result 10 of the device is first to delay somewhat the of the brake pip Pressure ad n bove debuild-up of brake cylinder pressures in service scribed to delay the b p of brake y nde at the forward end,of the train, and second, in Pr ure in va i l degree- At h front End.

a morereflned form of the invention, to insure of the train, flow t the e cy d is th Otmore nearly equal servicebrake cylinder prestled over a considerable period. The duration 5 sures throughout the length of long trains. O 5110 de y p iod becomes le s and less to- On a long train, some brake pipe leakage i ward the rear of the train until it attains its inevitable'and such leakage causes a progressive minimum at the end in the a portion of falling gradient of brake pipe pressure from the the train-r 20 front to the rear of the train while the oh- W t s p e arrangement, I att mpt is gineers brake valve is in running position and d to equalize the fi brake y r p esthe feed valve is functioning. sure, but the attainment of the high pressure at One result of such a pressure gradient is th t the front end of the train is so delayed that the auxiliary reservoirs are charged to progresthe initial application of the brakes is pp isively lower pressures-toward the rear end of mfltely the Same throughout h l n h of the 25 the train. train, and harsh slack action is avoided.-

w t the system charged as ju t described, This scheme can be arranged to operate with the initiation of a service reduction at the envarious types of quick service mechanism, but gineers brake valve causes the quick service will be desiiribed hereinafter as applied 1 vents associated with the various triple valves quick Service mechanism including a measuring 30 t function serially over very short time chamber which is not vented until the brakes tel-val, m produces mm, pressure drop are released. Consequently, the quick service throughout t length of t brake pipe. The mechanism is of the non-repeating type, that is, engineers brake valve is left in service position functions only on the first reduction in a Split 5 only long enough to establish the desired presreduction vr o sure .m the equanzing' reservoir, and t is A further refinement of the invention con, lapped. in lap position the feed valve is cut templates an e u i a i n o app o ima e equalof! from the brake pipe, and th equalizing di ization of the intensity of the service applicacharge valve functions t reduce. brake pipe tion throughout the length of the train. This 40 Pr sure slowly to the value determined by th result may be secured where a quick service 40 pressure established in the equalizing reservoir. 8 chamber is d, a d i volves the Under such conditions, the pressurein the brake delivery to the brake cylinder su tantia ly pipe quickly levels of! and the pressure gradi t all of the quick service air in the rear of the which existed under running conditions, disrain and virtually. none of the q k S rvi e air appears. at the front of'the train, the sheet being grad- 45 After a service reduction of brake pipe presuated between these two limits. I sure, the triple valves move .to lap position in Generally stated, the measuring chamber is response tothe relation between brake pipe provided with a bleed port, and the gradient pressure and auxiliary reservoir pressure. and neutralizing valve, when in position to delay irrespective of brake cylinder pressure. Since build-up, isolates the measuring chamber from so the brake pipe pressure is approximately unithe brake cylinder, and when in position to perform throughout the length of the train in mit rapid build-up, offers a direct connection service, and since the initial auxiliary reservoir past a one-way valve from the quick service pressures were progressively lower frcmthe front measuring chamber to the brake cylinder. On 5 toward the rear end of the train, the final brake cars at the front of the train where-the gradient neutralizing valve remains in delay build-up position over a long period, the pressure in the measuring chamber established by quick service venting is completely or almost completely bled away before the gradient neutralizing valve shifts. At the rear of the train where the gradient neutralizing valve shifts after a relatively short period, practically all of the air vented from the brake pipe in quick service flows to the brake cylinder. Between these two limits, the action progressively varies and the result is to equalize or approximately equalize brake cylinder pressures throughout the length of the train, those at the rear being increased by the admission of greater amounts of quick service air.

Since the measuring chamber is not a closed chamber, but is vented to atmosphere, the quick service action is intermediate between that produced by a measuring chamber and that produced by an atmospheric vent. To terminate venting a quick service limiting valve, for which per se no novelty is here claimed since it forms the subject matter of a prior application Serial No. 517,606, filed February 21, 1931, is used to limit the amount which brake pipe pressure can be reduced by quick service venting. This valve is conditioned for operation by a standard pressure established during charging of the auxiliary reservoir.

To illustrate the possibility of using a supplemental reservoir for this purpose, and also for supp y ng additional air in emergency, such features are included, without however implying their necessary presence.

Two practical embodiments of the invention, simplified by the omission of unnecessary features, such as restricted recharge and release, are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

It is to be understood that the use of emergency vent valves in conjunction with the triple valve is contemplated. It is known practice in the art to apply to the brake pipe on each car, one or more valves which are independent of the triple valve and which function on a rapid reduction of brake pipe pressure to vent the brake pipe at an emergency rate. The particular form of the emergency vent valve is not materiahand as such valves are well known, it is unnecessary to illustrate them.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a vertical axial section of a simple triple valve in combination with a gradient neutralizing valve which controls the rate of initial build-up of brake cylinder pressure in service. The triple valve is shown in release and recharge position, the valve element of the neutralizing valve is shown in non-restricting position.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view of the slide valve with its seat and graduating valve, showing the parts in service position.

Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the parts emergency position.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view showing the triple piston in service position.

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the piston in emergency position.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view showing the valve element of the gradient neutralizing valve in flow restricting position.

Fig.7 isa view similar to Fig. 1 showing a simple triple valve in combination with a gradient neutralizing valve which not only controls the rate of flow to the brake cylinder. but also controls flow from the quick service measuring chamber to the brake cylinder. In this view, the triple valve is shown in release and recharge position, and the gradient neutralizing valve is shown in that position in which it permits free flow from the measuring chamber and from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of the slide valve with its seat and graduating valve with the parts in service position.

Fig. 9 is a similar view showing the parts in emergency position.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view showing the triple piston in service position.

Fig. 11 is a similar view showing the triple piston in emergency position.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view showing the valve element of the gradient neutralizing valve in that position in which it restricts .flow from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder and interrupts flow from the measuring chamber to the brake cylinder.

In the drawings the showing is diagrammatic to some extent, that is, the ports are all drawn as if they lay in a common plane, in order to make them visible in a single view and in order to indicate readily on the different figures the occurrence of simultaneous flows. The ports can be, and commonly would be, otherwise located. The conventional details, such as bushings and bolts, which involve no inventive features, are omitted. The particular form of the device and the mechanical details are subject to variation in accordance with the preferences of the designer.

The body of the triple valve is indicated at I5, and is provided with a mounting flange II. On the mounting face there is a passage II which leads to the auxiliary reservoir, a passage l8 which leads to the brake pipe, and a passage l9 which leads to the brake cylinder. The triple valve is illustrated as of the well known pipeless type intended to be mounted against a support formed with ports to register with the ports ll, l8, and i9, such ports being connected with the usual auxiliary reservoir, brake pipe, and brake cylinder.

The passage II communicates directly with the usual slide valve chamber 2!, which, in turn, communicates with the cylinder 22. The cylinder is provided with a bushing 23 and is closed at its outer (left hand side) by a front cap 24. The cap 24 is provided with a screw plug 25 which serves as a seat for spring 26. This reacts against a slide stop 21 whose function is to arrest the triple piston 24 in service position. If the spring 26 is overpowered, the piston moves to emergency position (see Fig. 5) in which it seals against a gasket 29. This gasket, as usual, also seals the joint between the body I! and the front cap 24.

The brake pipe passage ll reaches directly to the space within the front cap 24, and thence to the cylinder 22 to the left of piston 24. The bushing 23 is provided with a charging groove II of conventional form. Inward motion of the piston 28 is limited by the rim 32 which is provided with a charging notch 33. The piston stem 24 has a guiding spider It at its end, and a, collar 38 between which a slide valve 31 is confined, a limited amount of lost motion being permitted. The graduating valve 38 is confined closely in a notch in the stem 34, and hence, is shifted relatively to the slide valve 31 as a result of the lost motion permitted the slide valve. The slide and graduating valves are held seated by the usual bow springs shown in the drawings.

Formed in the body 15 below the valveichamnism. This communicates directly with a diaphragm chamber 43. Clamped at its margin and extending across the leftface of the chamber 43 is a flexible diaphragm 44. This diaphragm is held in place by a cap member 45 which encloses a chamber 46 to the left of the diaphragm 44.

There is a combined hub and stem member 41 which is formed withan abutment 48, whose convex side is presented to the diaphragm 44, and whose notched margin serves as a limit stop, in conjunction with the walls of chamber 43, to limit the motion of stem 41 to the right. The

stem 41 has a reduced extension 49 which projects through the center of the diaphragm 44 and receives a thrust disc similar to the disc 48; This presents a convex surface to the'diaphragm 44 and serves as a limit stop controlling the motion of the member 41 to the left. A nut 52 holds the parts in assembled relation, clamping the diaphragm between the parts 48 and 5| and preventing leakage at this point. The tip of extension 49 works in a guide formed in the cap 45, as shown, and an extension 50 at the opposite end of stem" performs a similar guiding function.

The stem 41 is peripherally groovedto receive a slide valve 53 which coactswith a seat in the chamber 42 and is the valve element of the gradient neutralizing valve. The chamber 43 at the right ofthe diaphragm 44 is connected by a passage, clearly shown in the drawings, with a port 54 drilled through the piston bushing 23. The chamber 46 to the left of the diaphragm 44 is connected by a passage with a similar port 55. When the valve is in release position (Fig. 1), both ports 54 and 55 are open to brake pipe pressure, while in emergency position (Fig. 5), both ports are open to auxiliary reservoir pressure, but in service position (Fig. 4), the piston 28 which is then against the yielding stop 21, stands between the two ports, so that chamber 43 is at auxiliary reservoir pressure and chamber 46 is at brake pipe pressure.

A spring 56 reacts against the member 5| to urge the stem 41 to the right, so that at all times when the pressures in the chambers 43 and 46 are equalized, the stem will move to its right hand position. This is the condition during bothrelease and emergency, but in service position, thetspring 56 will be overpowered whenever auxiliary reservoir pressure predominates sufficiently over brake pipe pressure, as it will do when the triple valve first moves to service position.

The brake cylinder passage l9 leads to a port 51 in the seat of the valve 53. A port 58 in the quick service port 64 leading from brake pipe passage IS, the measuring chamber port 65 and the exhaust port 66 in addition to service port 59 and emergency port 6|.

The slide valve 31 has a cavity 61 with extension 68' and a through port 69 which is the service port. This has a constriction 1| and is controlled by graduating valve 38.

The size of constriction 1| is such that after quick service venting has occurred, flow through 1| will reduce auxiliary reservoir pressure at the rate that brake pipe pressure is reduced by the engineers brake valve. It follows that on short trains, the diaphragm 44 will respond only to the first reduction of a split reduction.

constriction 1| should besmall enough to ensure that the initial pressure differential acting on diaphragm 44 shall cause movement of valve 53 to delay position during quick service venting. constriction 1|, if made too small, will same seat is connected by'apassage with the service port 58 and emergency port 6| of the seat for slide valve 31. The slide valve 53 has a cavity 62 which freely connects ports 51' and 58 when valve 53 is in its right hand position, and a restricted extension 83 which connects ports 51 and 58 when the valve is in its left hand position. Since the valve is to the right in release and emergency, free exhaust and rapid emergency flow are assured. Restricted flow occurs only during a part of service. I

In the seat of slide valve 31 are the brake pipe tend to cause valve 53 to respond in all service applications on short trains which is to be avoided. Between these limits the size of constriction 1| is subject to variation.

The operation of the structure shown in Figs. 1-6 can now be briefly traced.

Release, and recharge In release position the auxiliaryreservoir is charged and thebrake cylinder and quick service chamber are exhausted ina familiar manner. The ports 54 and 55 are both open to brake pipe pressure, andthe spring56 shifts the stem 41 to the right hand positionv of Fig. 1. Consequently, exhaust fiow from the brake cylinder is not impeded at the valve 53. I

Service application Upon reduction of brake pipe pressure, the piston 28 moves to the left under predominating auxiliaryreservoir pressure until arrested by stop 21. The parts assume positions indicated in Figs. 2 and 4. The brake cylinder and quick service chamber 4| are both disconnected from the exhaust. Cavity 61 connects the brake pipe quick service port 64 with the quick service chamber port 65. This expedites the service reduction and assures motionto service position. Spring 26 is strong enough to prevent over travel. Service port 69 registers with service port 59, and auxiliary reservoir air starts to flow to the brake cylinder at a rate determined by the constriction 1|.

Connection of the brake pipe with the quick service chamber produces a definite and immediate drop of brake pipe pressure, and, since the piston 28 now standsbetween the ports .54 and 55, the left hand side of diaphragm 44 is subject to the lower brake pipe pressure, while the right hand side is subject to auxiliary reservoir pressure at substantially its normal value. p

The diaphragm 44, therefore, shifts valve 53 to the left to the position shown in Fig. 6, in which the restricted extension 63' is interposed in the flowfpath through the service port to the brake cylinder. Consequently, brake cylinder pressure rises slowly and auxiliary reservoir pressure falls slowly.

For purposes of discussion it will be assumed that the volume of the quick service chamber 4| is such that it reduces brake pipe pressure approximately six pounds. The strength of spring 56 is assumed to be suchthat diaphragm '44 will be held to the left if auxiliary reservoir pressure predominates two'pounds or more over brake pipe pressure. six pound service reduction, the valves 83 near the front of the train will remain in their left hand position while auxiliary reservoir pressure bleeds down four pounds.

On a long train in which there is a substantial brake pipe gradient, the valves toward the rear will remain in their restricting position a much shorter time, because there will be a smaller difference between initial auxiliary reservoir pressure and service brake pipe pressure. Consequently, the flow to the brake cylinders on different cars will be restricted for different periods of time, the period getting shorter and shorter from the front to the rear of the train. The diflerence in duration is a function of the pressure gradient which existed under running conditions. In the second reduction of brake pipe pressure in a split reduction application, the diaphragm 44 will not respond by moving to the left after it has returned to its normal right hand position, because there is no quick service drop and port H is large enough to reduce auxiliary reservoir pressure at a service rate.

Emergency application If the engineer reduces brake pipe pressure at an emergency rate, the piston 28 moves to its extreme left hand position and seats on the gasket 28. Both ports 84 and 55 are subject to auxiliary reservoir pressure, so that the diaphragm 44 remains in its right hand position and free flow to the brake cylinder occurs. In emergency the right hand and of valve 31 clears the emergency port 8| (see Fig. 3). The valve 53 remains at the right in the position of Fig. 1.

The modified construction of Figs. 7-12, inclusive, contains all the elements described in Figs. 1-6, and the reference numerals for similar parts have been increased by 100. Hence, the body IIS corresponds to the body I5. are certain modifications which can be briefly described.

The flange I I8 is mounted against a filler piece I12 which, in turn, is mounted against the rear end of an auxiliary reservoir I13. The auxiliary reservoir connection II1 communicates through a passage I14 with the interior of the auxiliary reservoir I13. The brake cylinder passage II8 communicates through a passage I18 with the brake cylinder pipe I18. Brake pipe passage I I8 communicates through passage I11 and the branch pipe I18 with the brake pipe I19.

The quick service chamber I4I is formed in the filler piece I12 instead of being formed in the body II5, but this is merely a matter of location. The brake pipe quick service port I84 in the seat for the slide valve I31 is formed with a lateral extension, as shown, and, instead of leading directly from the brake pipe passage H8, leads through a quick service limiting valve which will now be described.

This valve comprises a seat I8I and a yieldingly mounted valve I82 which is carried in the hub I83. The hub I83 carries a flange I84 between which and a companion disc I85 a flexible diaphragm I88 is clamped. A nut I81, threaded on an extension of hub I83, performs a clamping function, and the extension works in a guideway formed in cap I88, and thus serves to hold the hub I83 and valve I82 properly aligned.

The diaphragm I86 is clamped between the cap Illandaportionoftbehody IIl,andtbe There Accordingly, assuming a space to the right of the diaphragm is connected by way of passage I88 and pipe I8I with a supplemental reservoir I82. The space to the left of the diaphragm I88 is at brake pipe pressure being in communication with a branch of the brake pipe passage II8. A loading spring I93 urges the diaphragm I88 to the right, and its strength is so chosen that the valve I82 will close against the seat I8I when brake pipe pressure fails a definite amount, say for example, six and a half pounds, below supplemental reservoir pressure.

The supplemental reservoir is charged concurrently with the auxiliary reservoir, and to the same pressure or substantially so. Since the supplemental reservoir is not drawn upon in service, a definite reduction of brake pipe pressure terminates quick service flow.

The recess I81 in slide valve I31 is formed with an extension I810, as well as with an extension I88, the effect being to provide for closing of the port I85 in release position (see Fig. 7).

The slide valve I31, in addition to the ports described with reference to the slide valve 31, has a through port I84 which is the emergency port and registers with port I8I in emergency. In the seat of the slide valve, there is an additional port I88 which communicates with the passage I88 and is, therefore, the supplemental reservoir port.

In emergency position, the slide valve I31 moves to the left far enough to expose the port I95, so that supplemental reservoir air, as well as auxiliary reservoir air, flows through the port I94 and port I8I to the brake cylinder.

There is also a supplemental reservoir charging port I88 which extends through the slide valve I31 from top to bottom, and which is controlled by the graduating valve I38. This port registers with port I85 in release position, and is then exposed at its upper end by the graduating valve 1 I38. The passage which connects the quick service port I88 with the quick service chamber I has a branch which leads to a restricted vent choke I81, permitting slow flow to atmosphere, and to a check valve I88, which opens to permit flow to a port I88 in the seat of slide valve I83.

Slide valve I83 is formed with a cavity 28I which, in the right hand position of the valve, connects port I88 with a seat port 282, the seat port 282 being in direct communication with the seat port I51.

It follows from the construction Just described that measuring chamber I is in restricted communication with the atmosphere, and that when valve I53 is in its right hand position, in which it permits free flow between the seat of slide valve I31 and the brake cylinder, the measuring chamber HI and the brake cylinder are connected by way of check valve I88. The check valve so controls the flow that air may pass from the measuring chamber I4I to the brake cylinder, but may not flowfrom the brake cylinder to the chamber. When the valve I53 moves to the left to its flow restricting position, it disconnects port I 88 from port 282.

The operation of the modified device is as follows:

Release and recharge therefore, the supplemental reservoir assists In recharging the auxiliary reservoir until after the reservoir'pressures are equalized, when the two are charged concurrently. The brake cylinder is connected to atmosphere. Quick service measuring chamber HI bleeds to atmosphere through and because of the pressure gradient, there will be a: flow from the front toward the rearof the train. Because of the earlier closure of the quick service limiting valve and the longer period in which the pressure gradient neutralizing valve choke I91. The quick service limiting .valve I82 remains in restricting'position, the quick service will be held open. The gradient neutralizing chambers III at the forward portions of the valve will be shifted .to its right hand position train will be vented to atmosphere more nearly (Fig- '1) by the spring I56, since both sides of the completely by flow through the choke'ports I91 diaphragm I44 are subject to brake pipe pressure. ithain will similar chambers at the rear of the 10 Service amhcatwn It follows that the build-up of brake cylinder Upon reduction brake pipe pressure at a pressure at the front of the train will be delayed service rate, piston I28 moves until arrested by over longer period and at the termination of stop I21. This positions the parts in the posithis period there will be less pressure fluid avail tion shown in Figs. 8 and 10. Port I64 is conable in the measuring chambers in to supple" nected by extension I61a and cavity I61 with f bmkecylinder pressure Consequently 2 with the improved construction, the build-up of passage I65, so that brake pipe air flows to the quick service measuring bhamber, charging the pressure in the brakecylinders at the forward same, and a slow discharging flow commences portion of the train is more delayed and the 20 through the choke port I91. pressure is augmented little, if at all, while at Since the piston I28 stands between the ports the rear the train the bund'up i delayed my I54 and I55, diaphragmlfl is subject to brake 3 6 Perm and a the pipe pressure on its left hand side, and auxiliary i venzedbmkquicklsegvice is availed g to g reservoir pressure on its right hand side, and 2 m e cym fi iit e 25 quick service venting insures that the diaphragm '1 service pressure in he W n 1's is equalwill move to the left, overpowering spring I56 or more nearly equalized than would q and shifting valve I53 to the position of Flig. 12. wise be the case' From, this it follows that the port 99 is 3o blanked and that the throttling extension I63 is Emergency interposed in the'path of flow through ports "I, In emergency application, the quick service I69 and I59 to the brake cylinder passage IIII. limiting valve will close immediately. The

It is assumed that the quick service chamber is spring I56 will hold the, valve I53 in its right so proportioned that it produces a five pound hand position, because both sides of the diareduction of brake pipe pressure, and that spring phragm I are subject to auxiliary reservoir 35 I93 is of such strength that diaphragm I86 will pressure. CQnsequentIy there is substantially no not close the quick service limiting valve until flow to the quick service measuring chamber, and brake pipe pressure has dropped approximately the emergency flow from the supplemental resersix and a half, pounds. 7 I I voir and auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinde 40 It follows from this arrangement that brake is not delayed by the valve I53. I 40 pipe pressure will be gradually reduced one and Generally stated, the operative principles dea half pounds by flow through the choke port scribed may be embodied in various specifically I91. While this slow discharge is taking place, I different triple valve structures. For example, the auxiliary reservoir air is slowly flowing from there is nothing inherent in the inventive com the slide valve chamber I2I through the recent which precludes the use of restricted restricted service port "I, and thence through the charge or restricted release, or both, for example. restricted port I63 to the brake cylinder. by the conventionalmethod using a retard stop.

Before reduction of the ain'riliary reservoir There are no-necessarylimitations on the form pressure causes the piston to shift the graduating of the graduating valve, or its relation to the valve to the right to lap the service port, the service ports. It is by no means essential that a 50 u ck service limiting valve will terminate quick supplemental reservoir be used, as-a quick service service venting flow, so that the brake pipe is limiting valve, if used, can be controlled by any then isolated from the quick service chamber, volume charged to auxiliary reservoir pressure and the quick service chamber continues to be and retained charged during service, or by other slowly vented. Thereafter, reduction of auxilmeans which will readily suggest themselves. 55' iary reservoir pressure by, flow to the brake cylin- To a certain extent. diaphragms and pistons are der will permit spring, I5 6.to shift valve I53 to known equivalents for eachother, and while I the right hand position (see Fig. '1) in which the prefer to control the ports [5| and I55 by means 7 restriction I63 becomes ineffective, and in which of the triple piston, it is not strictly necessary the measuring chamber Ill is connected through th t this specific control be used.

' the check valve I98 with the brake cylinder. In certain of the claims defining a proportional After equalization of the brake cylinder and relationship the term directly is used to exthe measuring chamber, the check valve I98 preclude an inverse relationship, but without inents back flow and the choke port I91 completes tention to limit the claims to precise mathe 65 the venting of the chamber III. matical proportion. 65

In a long train in which a substantial pressure what i l i d 1 gradient tsinthe brake pip i gradientneu- 1. The method of neutralizing the effect of tralizin v lve I53 1 cars at h fr n nd Will pressure differentials between the charged prese remain in restricting position for a longerperiod sures of the auxiliary reservoirs of automatic air than on cars at the rear of the train, because at brake units connected in a train by a brake pipe, 70 the front of the train the auxiliary reservoir has such differentials being occasioned by leakage a higher initial charge. Furthermore, quick under running conditions; which consists in inservice limiting valves I82 will ,close sooner at itiating a, service application by establishing the forward end of the train than at the rear, throughout the brake pipe a substantially uniform for the reason that after quick service venting lowered pressure and temporarily restricting the 75 fiow of auxiliary reservoir air to the brake cylinders to less than the normal service rate for timed periods approximately proportional directly to the difi'erentials between each initial auxiliary reservoir pressure and such lowered pressure.

2. The method of neutralizing the effect of pressure difierentials between the charged pressures of auxiliary reservoirs of automatic air brake units connected in a train by a brake pipe, such differentials being occasioned by leakage under running conditions; which consists in initiating a service application by establishing throughout the brake pipe a substantially uniform lowered pressure, and temporarily restricting the flow of air from each auxiliary reservoir to the corresponding brake cylinder to less than the normal service rate until reservoir pressure falls to a uniform value higher than and determined by the uniform brake pipe pressure, and thereafter permitting free flow to the brake cylinders.

3. The method of neutralizim the effect of pressure differentials between the charged pressures of the auxiliary reservoirs of automatic air brake units connected in a train by a brake pipe, such differentials being occasioned by leakage under running conditions; whichconsists in initiating a service application by discharging measured quantities of air from the brake pipe at points corresponding to said auxiliary reservoirs throughout its length, and thereby establishing a substantialLv uniform lowered brake pipe pressure; locally confining the discharged air and permitting it to escape from such confinement at a slow rate; restricting the flow of auxiliary reservoir air to corresponding brake cylinders for time periods approximately proportioned to the differentials between each ini-' tial auxiliary reservoir pressure and such lowered brake pipe pressure; and. at the termination of each such restriction period feeding to the brake cylinder the residual locally confined air.

4. The method of neutralizing the effect of pressure diflerentials between the charged pressures of auxiliary reservoirs of automatic air brake units connected in a train by a brake pipe, such differentials being occasioned by leakage under running conditions;- which consists in initiating a service application by discharging measured quantities of air from the brake pipe at points corresponding to said auxiliary reservoirs throughout its length, and thereby establishing a substantially uniform lowered brake pipe pressure; locally confining the discharged air and permitting it to escape from confinement gradually; restricting the flow of auxiliary reservoir air from the various reservoirs to corresponding brake cylinders while auxiliary reservoir pressure falls from its initial value to a uniform value higher than and determined by the lowered brake pipe pressure; and upon attainment of said uniform value permitting free fiow from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder and feeding to the brake cylinder residuallocally confined air.

5. The method of neutralizing the effect of pressure differentials between the'charged pressures of auxiliary reservoirs of automatic air brake units connected in a train by a brake pipe, such differentials being occasioned by leakage under running conditions; which consists in initiating a service application by discharging measured quantities of air from the brake pipe at points corresponding to said auxiliary reservoirs throughout its lensth. and thereby establishing a substantially uniform lowered brake pipe pressure; locally confining the discharged air and permitting it to escape from confinement gradually; permitting auxiliary reservoir air to flow gradually from each reservoir to the corresponding brake cylinder; and when auxiliary reservoir pressure attains a uniform value higher than and determined by the lowered brake pipe pressure, feeding to the brake cylinder the residual locally confined air.

6. Tne combination of a brake pipe; a brake cyli der; an auxiliary reservoir; a triple valve associated therewith; a valve controlling the rate of fiow through said triple valve from said reservoir to the brake cylinder; pressure actuated means responsive to a preponderance of auxiliary reservoir over brake pipe pressure to move the last-named valve in a flow restricting direction; yielding means resisting such motion; and me'ans controlled by said triple valve for rendering said controlling valve operative when the triple valve is in service application position.

'7. The combination of a triple valve having a piston actuated by opposing brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures; a valve controlling service flow and having a free-flow position and a restricted-flow position; yielding means urging said valve to said free-flow position; an abutment for actuating said valve; and means effective in service position of the triple valve to subject opposite sides of said abutment to brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures, the latter acting to urge the abutment and valve toward flow restricting position.

8. The combination of a triple valve having a piston actuated by opposing brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures; a valve controlling service fiow and having a free-flow position and a restricted-flow position; yielding means urging said valve to said free-fiow position; an abutment for actuating said valve; and means controlled directly by the triple piston and effective in the service position of the triple valve to subject opposite sides of said abutment to brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures, the latter acting to urge the abutment and valve toward fiow restricting position.

9. The combination of a triple valve having a brake pipe connection, a brake cylinder connection, and an auxiliary reservoir connection, said triple valve including a piston actuated valve mechanism which in release position effects charging of the auxiliary reservoir from the brake pipe and the exhaust of the brake cylinder, and in application positions closes said exhaust and connects the auxiliary reservoir with the brake cylinder; a secondary valve interposed between the triple valve and the brake cylinder connection, and having two positions, in one of which positions it restricts said communication as compared with the other position; a shiftable abutment connected to operate the last-named valve; yielding means urging said valve toward the non-restricting position; and means effective in service application position of the valve to subject said abutment to opposed brake pipe and. auxiliary reservoir pressures in such manner that predominating auxiliary reservoir pressure tends to move said valve to said restricting position.

10. The combination of a triple valve having a brake pipe connection, a brake cylinder conmotion, and an auxiliary reservoir connection,

said triple valve including a piston actuated valve mechanism which in release position effects charging of the auxiliary reservoir from the brake pipe and the exhaust of the brake cylinder, and in application positions closes said exhaust and connects the auxiliary reservoir with the brake cylinder; a secondary valve interposed between the triple valve and the brake cylinder connection and having two positions, in one of which positions it restricts said communication as compared with the other position; a shiftable abutment connected to operate the last-named valve; yielding means urging said valve toward the non-restricting position; means effective in service application position of the valve to subject said abutment to opposed brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures in such manner'that predominating auxiliary reservoir pressure tends to move said valve to said restricting position; and means rendered effective by motion of the triple valve to emergency application position to subject both sides of said abutment to the same pressure.

11. The combination of a triple valve having a brake pipe connection, a brake cylinder connection, and an auxiliary reservoir connection, said triple valve including a piston actuated valve mechanism which in release position efiects charging of the auxiliary reservoir from the brake pipe and the exhaust of the brake cylinder, and in application positions closes said exhaustand connects the auxiliary reservoir with the brake cylinder; a secondary valve interposed betweenthe triple valve and the brake cylinder connection, and having two positions, in one of which positions it restricts said communication as compared with the other position; a shiftable abutment connected to operate the last-named valve; yielding means urging said valve toward the non-restricting position; means effective in service application position of the valve to subject said abutment to opposed brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures in such manner that predominating auxiliary reservoir pressure tends to move said valve to said restricting position; and means rendered effective by motion of the triple valve to emergency application position to subject both sides of said abutment to auxiliary reservoir pressure.

12. The combination of a triple valve having a brake pipe connection, a brake cylinder connection, and an auxiliary reservoir connection, said triple valve including a piston actuated valve mechanism which in release position effects charging of the auxiliary reservoir from the brake pipe and the exhaust of the brake cylinder,

and in application position closes saidexhaustj and connects the auxiliary reservoir with the brake cylinder; a secondary valve interposed between the triple valve and the brake cylinder connection, and having two po itions, in one of which positions it restricts said communication as compared with the other position; a shiftable abutment connected to operate the last-named valve; yielding means urging said valve toward the non-restricting position; and ports controlled by the triple piston, said ports leading to opposite sides of said abutment and bein so located that the triple piston is positioned between them and exposes both when the triple valve is in service position.

13. The combination oi! a brake pipe; a brake cylinder; an auxiliary reservoir; a triple valve associated therewith, said triple valve including means for venting a definite quantity of air irom -the brake pipe as an incident to its service function; a valve controlling the rate of flow through said triple valve from said reservoir to said brake cylinder; pressure actuated means responsive to a preponderance of auxiliary reservoir pressure over brake pipe pressure to move the last-named valve in a flow restricting direction; yielding means resisting such motion; and means controlled by said triple valve for rendering said controlling valve effective when the triple valve is in service application position.

14. The combination of claim 13, further characterized in that said triple valve includes a piston working in a cylinder, and the means controlled by the triple valve for rendering said controlling valve operative comprises ports in said cylinder controlled by said piston.

15. The combination of a triple valve having a. piston actuated by opposing brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures, said valve having a quick service venting mechanism which insures the motionofrsaid piston to service position and a yielding stop which insures arrest in said position; a, valve controlling service now through said triple valve and having a free flow position and a restricted flow position; yielding means urging such valve to said free flow position; an abutment for actuating said valve; and means rendered effective by said piston in service position to subject opposite sides of said abutment to brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures, the latter acting to urge the abutment and valve to flow restricting position.

16. The combination of a triple valve having a triple piston working in a cylinder, of a flow controlling valve having restricting and nonrestricting positions; an abutment connected to actuatesaid valve; and ports formed in said cylinder controlled bysaid piston and leading to opposite sides of said abutment.

17. The combination of a triple valve having atriple piston, 01' a secondary valve mechanism controlling flow through a port of a triple valve;

an abutment for actuating said secondary valve; and ports controlled by said piston and leading to opposite sides of said abutment, said ports being connected both with the brake pipe y when the triple valve is in release position, both with the auxiliary reservoir when the triple valve is in emergency position, and one with the brake pipe and the other with the auxiliary reservoir when the triple valve is in an intermediate position.

18. The combination of a brake pipe; a brake cylinder; an auxiliary reservoir; a triple valve associated therewith, said triple valve including a quick service vent mechanism including a measuring chamber and a restricted vent leading from said measuring chamber; a secondary valve mechanism which normally establishes a passage from said measuring chamber to the brake cylinder but may be shifted to interrupt said passage; yielding means urging said valve to its normal position; an abutment for actuating said valve; and means controlled by a portion of the triple valve mechanism for subjecting said abutment to the opposing pressuresof the brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir when the triple valve is in service position.

19. The combination with the structure defined in claim 18, or a supplemental volume arranged to be charged under the control of said triple valve; an abutment subject to the opposing pressures in said supplemental volume and in the brake pipe; a valve actuated by said abutment and controlling flow from the brake pipe to said measuring chamber; and loading means serving to hold said valve open until brake pipe pressure is reduced a definite amount and in the brake pipe; a valve actuated by said abutment and controlling flow from the brake pipe to said measuring chamber; and loading means for said valve arranged to hold said valve open until brake pipe pressure falls to a value substantially lower than that produced by venting oi the brake pipe into said measuring chamber.

21. The combination of a brake pipe; a brake cylinder; an auxiliary reservoir; a triple valve associated therewith, said triple valve including a measuring chamber into which brake pipe air is vented in service and from which a restricted vent is aiIorded; a secondary valve associated with said triple valve and having a normal position in which it permits tree iiow from the auxiliary reservoir through the triple valve'to the brake cylinder and flow from said measuring chamber to the brake" cylinder, and an abnormal position in which it restricts the first-named flow and terminates the second-named flow; yielding means urging said valve toward its normal position; an abutment connected to actuate said valve; and means controlled by said triple valve and eil'ective in service position to subject said abutment to opposing auxiliary reservoir and brake cylinder pressures.

22. The combination oi. claim 21, further characterized in that said triple valve includes a triple piston, and the means which subjects said abutment to opposing brake pipe pressure and auxiliary reservoir pressure in service position comprises ports controlled directly by the triple piston.

'23. Thecombination with the structure delined in claim 21, of a supplemental volume charged from the brake pipe under control of the triple valve; an abutment subject to pressure in said supplemental volume and brake pipe pressure acting in opposition to each other;

a valve actuated by said abutment and control ling flow from the brake pipe to said measuring chamber; and loading means for the lastnamed valve serving to hold it open until brake pipe pressure is reduced it definite amount below the pressure in said supplemental volume.

24. The combination with the structure defined in claim 21, of a supplemental volume charged from the brake pipe underxcontrol oi the triple valve; an abutment subject to pressure in said supplemental volume and brake pipe pressure acting in opposition to each other; a valve actuated by said abutment and controlling flow from the brake pipe to said measuring chamber; and loading means serving to hold the last-named valve open until brake pipe pressure is reduced to a value lower than that secured by initial discharge from the brake pipe into said measuring chamber.

25. The combination of a triple valve and a flow controlling valve each arranged to be actuated by a pressure diil'erential between an auxiliary reservoir and a brake pipe, said triple valve being adapted to move to service application position on the creation of a service diiierential between the auxiliary reservoir and the brake pipe pressures, in which position it ieeds auxiliary reservoir air to a brake cylinder, and the flow controlling valve serving to regulate such flow to the brake cylinder and acting to restrict such flow when the service diflerential approximates a chosen maximum and to permit free flow when such service diflerential is low.

26. The combination of a triple valve and a ilow controlling valve each arranged to be actuated by a pressure differential between an auxiliary reservoir and a brake pipe, said triple valve being adapted to move to service application position on the creation oi! a service diii'erential between the auxiliary reservoir and the brake pipe pressures, in which position it reeds auxiliary reservoir air to a brake cylinder, and the how controlling valve serving to regulate such flow to the brake cylinder and acting to restrict such flow when the service differential approximates a chosen maximum and to permit tree flow when such service diflerential is low; and means for rendering said flow controlling valve mechanism inactive to restrict flow when said triple valve is in positions other than service position.

27. The combination of a triple valve of the quick service venting type, and a flow controlling valve, said triple valve and said controlling valve each being arranged to be actuated by dili'erentials between auxiliary reservoir pressure and brake pipe pressure, said triple valve being moved by a service diflerential between such pressures to a service position in which it reeds air from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder, the service port through which such flow occurs being so proportioned that the resulting i'all oi auxiliary reservoir pressure will keep pace with the service reduction of brake pipe pressure but will not keep pace with the reduction of brake pipe pressure caused by quick service venting, the flow controlling valve serving to regulate flow from the auxiliary reservoir through the triple valve to the brake cylinder and acting to restrict such flow to less than normal value when the service diii'erential approximates a chosen maximum, and to permit iree flow when such service difl'erential is low.

28. The combination of a triple valve oi the quick service venting type, and a flow controlling valve, said triple valve and said controlling valve each being arranged to be actuated by diflerentials between auxiliary reservoir pressure and brake pipe pressure, said triple valve being moved by a service diii'erential between such pressures to a service position in which it feeds air from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder, the service port through which such flow occurs being so proportioned that the resulting iall oi auxiliary reservoir pressure will keep pace with the service reduction of brake pipe pressure but will not keep pace with the reduction of brake pipe pressure caused by quick service venting, the flow controlling valve serving to regulate flow from the auxiliary reservoir through the triple valve to the brake cylinder and acting to restrict such flow to less than normal value when the service diil'erential approximates a chosen maximum, and to permit tree flow when such service diiierential is low; and means for rendering said flow controlling valve mechanism inactive to restrict flow when said triple valve is in positions other than service position.

29. The combination of a triple valve 0! the quick service type, which functions in quick,"

service to vent the brake pipe into a measuring chamber; and a flow controlling valve, said triple valve and said flow controlling valve being each arranged to be actuated by diiierentials between auxiliary reservoir pressure and brake pipe pressure, said triple valve being moved by a service differential between such pressures to a position in which it ieeds air from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder, and the flow controlling valve being interposed in the path of flow from the auxiliary reservoir through the triple valve to the brake cylinder and serving when the service differential approximates a chosen maximum to restrict such flow and isolate said measuring chamber from the brake cylinder, and when such service ditferential is low to permit flow from the measuring chamber to the brake cylinder and tree flow from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder.

30. The combination of a triple valve of the quick service type, which functions in quick service to vent the brake pipe into a measuring chamber; a flow controlling valve, said triple valve and said flow controlling valve being each arranged to be actuated by difierentials between auxiliary reservoir pressure and brake pipe pressure, said triple valve being moved by a service diiierential between such pressures to a position in which it feeds air from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder, and the flow controlling valve being interposed in the path of flow from the auxiliary reservoir through the triple valve to the brake cylinder and serving when the service differential approximates a chosen maximum to restrict such 5 flow and isolate said measuring chamber from the brake cylinder, and when such service ditierential is low to permit ilow from the measuring chamber to the brake cylinder and tree flow from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake 1Q cylinder; and means for rendering said flow controlling valve mechanism inactive when said triple valve is in positions other than service position.

31. The combination of a brake pipe; a brake 15 cylinder; an auxiliary reservoir; a triple valve associated therewith; a flow-controlling valve having two positions, in one of which it permits a normal service rate of flow from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder through the 20 triple valve, and in the other of which it permits a relatively restricted rate of such flow; and means effective while the triple valve is positioned to permit service flow to the brake cylinder and responsive to approach to equalization @5 between auxiliary reservoir pressure and brake pipe pressure to shift said flow-controlling valve from the second-named to the first-named position.

CHARLES A. CAMPBELL. 39 

